Kain

Given the choice - whether to rule a corrupt and failing empire or
to challenge the Fates for another throw, a better throw, against one's
destiny - what was a king to do?

A stream of memories leading up to the present
flows past: The vampire, Raziel, Kain's right-hand lieutenant, spreads
his newly grown wings… Kain tears the wings from Raziel's back, and orders
his other lieutenants to throw him into the Lake of Dead… Raziel burns
until there is nothing left but a husk of tissue and bone, yet is revived…
He hunts Kain down, but is unable to complete his revenge before Kain escapes
through a portal leading to another time… In the past Raziel learns that
things are much more complicated than they seem. The quest for vengeance
gives way to a quest for knowledge and freedom - one that he shares with
Kain.

Kain

But does one ever truly have a choice? One can only match, move
by move, the machinations of Fate, and thus defy the tyrannous stars.

The Sarafan Stronghold

The camera pans down from the sky, and we see
that it is snowing. It is just before dawn -- the moon is still visible,
hanging low over the horizon. The battlements of the Sarafan fortress
are silhouetted in the foreground. A flock of bats swarms in, framed
by the full moon. They coalesce to form the dark shape of a heroically-proportioned
man -- this is KAIN, not yet fully visible as he's backlit by the moon.
He drops down from the battlements, moving stealthily through a stone tunnel,
still lit from behind.

Kain

And so I returned to the sanctuary of my enemy - the fortress of the
Sarafan brotherhood, deemed impossible for any man to penetrate.

Kain approaches a portcullis and pool of light. A lone Sarafan guard is
standing on the other side of the gate. Kain dematerializes into
a cloud of mist, phasing smoothly and silently through the gate, just behind
the unsuspecting guard. As he emerges into the pool of light, we
see his features for the first time. He effortlessly snaps the sentry's
neck, and bites into his throat, holding the sagging body.

Kain

...impossible for any man.

Kain drains the victim, and lets the body fall
to the ground as he wipes his mouth and looks offscreen toward his next
goal. He continues to move along a narrow walkway.

Kain

Deep within these walls, my prey awaited: Moebius the Time Streamer,
deceiver and eternal gamester, using living beings as his pawns.

As Kain nears a corner, we hear the voices
of Sarafan warriors returning from patrol, approaching along an adjacent
bridge. Kain leans into the wall for cover, and turns his head to
listen.

Sarafan Guard 1

In the end, we rooted out an entire nest of the fiends.

Sarafan Guard 2

But we had swept that area already.

Sarafan Guard 1

Not well enough. But no matter - we purged every last one of
that brood with fire. May their souls now rest.

In the foreground, Kain sneers in disgust.

Sarafan Guard 2

Lord Moebius will be pleased.

In the distance, a heavy door opens and closes.
Kain moves from the shadows.

Kain

It was time for Moebius to answer a few questions. I hoped, for
his sake, to find him in a forthcoming mood.

Kain drops down from a window, into the Stronghold's
dungeon beside a human prisoner. As he approaches, the prisoner sees him
and begins to panic--

Captive

Help
me! Help me!

Kain approaches the terrified prisoner and
gently passes his hand before the human's face –

Kain

Shhh...

Captive

Oh please, no...

Kain leans toward the prisoner, anticipating
the meal --

Kain

From time to time it is necessary to feed. And the unusual event
of a feast prepared by the Sarafan must be savored.

Kain shatters a crumbling wall with the Reaver
and steps through the new passage.

Sarafan

What was that?

Kain pulls the man off of the bridge above
him using telekinesis, and flings him upon a metal spike jutting out of
the wall. He then walks out into the room, finding a canal
running through its center.

Kain

The touch of water was like acid to a vampire. I had to find
another way to pass.

Kain approaches a magical barrier.

Kain

This passage undoubtedly led to the Time Streamer. My prey was
nearly in my grasp. But the door had been sealed by a blessed barrier.
As I approached, the Reaver resonated in response. Perhaps its dark
sorcery could dispel these holy barriers.

Kain takes a swipe at the barrier with his
sword, only to be repelled.

Kain

As I suspected, the Reaver was not yet powerful enough to shatter these
barriers. But there was something to this…

As Kain enters the stronghold's chapel, a portcullis
slams down. He pushes against it with his foot.

Kain

Locked.
What a love of doors these pathetic humans have.

He nears an artifact on a pedestal that
is suspiciously unguarded. Heeding the signs of a trap, he dematerializes
into his mist form, jumps back, and draws the Reaver. A Sarafan archer
on a balcony above takes notice of him.

Sarafan

Huh? Vampire!

Kain defeats the Sarafan, and returns his attention
to the artifact.

Kain

This emblem was unmistakably of Vampire origin, and designed to enhance
the Reaver's power. But this coincidence seemed too convenient; Moebius
clearly meant for me to find it.

As he claims the emblem, he hears doors open
and armored footsteps rapidly approaching. A number of Sarafan clamor
into the chapel to surround him, shouting threats and orders.

Sarafan 1

Sound the alarm!

Sarafan 2

Vampire!

Sarafan 3

Don't let him escape!

Kain
walks calmly into their midst as they close in to surround him. He
regards them coolly, without even drawing his weapon yet.

Sarafan 4

Surround him!

Sarafan 1

Surrender, fiend, and we will promise you an easy death.

Kain

I could promise you the same, but it would be a lie.

After defeating the Sarafan, Kain approaches
another magical barrier.

Kain

This barrier had a curious resonating effect on the Reaver.

Approaching a door that is of a different
design than the others in the Stronghold:

Kain

This door had been equipped with a singular lock, requiring an unusual
key. Somehow I would find it.

The Subterranean Chamber

Kain confronts Moebius in his hidden chamber.
As he nears the chamber's entrance, we begin to hear Moebius' voice, indistinctly.
Kain silently draws the Reaver, and moves toward the chamber.

Moebius

Yes... I understand...

Moebius stands before a shimmering, mysterious
pool at the center of the room, holding an arcane staff in one hand.

Moebius

...it will be done... the stage is set...

With a satisfied expression, he cuts his eyes
in Kain's direction

Moebius

You needn't linger in the shadows, Kain. with hostility
It has been a long time, hasn't it?

Kain

No banter, Moebius. You know why I'm here.

Moebius

Yes...Raziel. You sought to introduce your own pawn into
this game, and now he's been swept from the board.

Kain

By your hand, I suspect. Where is he?

Moebius

Perhaps you should ask "when"? chuckles darkly
How humiliating it must be for you to come begging at my doorstep for
answers.

Kain narrows his eyes and advances on Moebius
angrily.

Kain

Enough wordplay -

Moebius

Don't threaten me, Kain –

Moebius calmly summons his scepter's power,
and the globe flares with menacing light. Kain collapses in shock,
clutching at his chest, as the Reaver slips from his fingers and he sinks
to the floor, incapacitated.

Kain

gasping in agony

Moebius

-- you see, I have the upper hand.

He regards Kain with amusement.

Moebius

How remarkable that the great Kain should succumb to the scepter's
power like any common vampire.

Moebius crouches next to Kain to address him
more directly.

Moebius

Still so arrogant after all these years - thinking you've devised some
brilliant plan. You know nothing. You have read
the signs but missed their meaning. You believe you are that myth of Vampire prophecy - the Scion of Balance - and that Raziel holds the
key to fulfilling your destiny.

Kain glares furiously at Moebius, while fighting
to overcome this paralysis

Moebius

But your messianic delusions have blinded you to Raziel's true nature.
You have no idea what you've unleashed.

Moebius straightens up and looks down at Kain.
Kain reaches uselessly for the Reaver.

Moebius

There was a time when you might have heeded wise counsel when it was
offered. Now, your vanity has made you witless. You will have to
learn the truth for yourself.

He shoves the Reaver back toward Kain with
his foot.

Moebius

You'll be needing this.

Moebius moves unhurriedly toward the exit while
he speaks, and opens the door.

Moebius

Your strength will return after I have departed. But by then,
you will have more urgent concerns than pursuing me. Perhaps,
when we next meet, you will have learned a little humility.

Moebius deactivates the scepter and exits,
closing the door behind him. Kain grasps the Reaver and rises unsteadily
to his feet. As he stands, we see a number of Shades peel out of
the shadows of the chamber and surround Kain.

Kain

These strange creatures seemed to manifest from the very shadows…

Kain defeats the shades.

Kain

Moebius' attempt at stopping me was not one of his better efforts.
When I found him, it would be my turn to offer a few surprises.